Mauritius — Visas and Vaccinations

Overseas visitors should check the Republic of Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office website for information about whether a visa is required for entry. Citizens of the US, the United Kingdom, European Union nations, United Arab Emirates and some Asian countries do not need a tourist visa.

American visitors are not required to have any specific vaccinations to enter Mauritius, although the following precautionary measures are recommended: hepatitis A and B, tetanus-diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Yellow fever shots are also recommended, especially if you're continuing on through other African nations.

Health and Safety

While Mauritius has relatively low rates of violent crime, there have been some reports of robbery and attacks on tourists. Visitors are advised to use common sense, keep valuables out of sight and avoid being alone in deserted areas. Stay off the beaches and avoid empty streets after dark. Don't take unregistered taxis or unexpected "free" tours, which can be a scam.

The tap water on Mauritius is not safe to drink and you should avoid ice. Bottled water or boiled tap water should be used for brushing teeth. Food hygiene is generally good although must be properly cooked. Visitors may wish to avoid raw vegetables and salads as a precaution. Some ocean fish has been found to contain biotoxins which cooking will not neutralize. Avoid dairy as pasteurization and consistency of refrigeration cannot be guaranteed. Use your best judgment when buying food from street vendors, and only eat items that have been recently cooked and are still hot. It is advisable to use insect repellent in order to avoid mosquito borne diseases.